NFL Player News

Dye (thumb) is active for Thursday night's game against the Vikings, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.

Dye was unable to play against the Colts in Week 7 due to a thumb injury, but the 2020 fourth-rounder has been cleared to play Thursday after logging three consecutive practice sessions. Dye's return gives the Chargers additional depth at inside linebacker alongside Marlowe Wax and behind starters Daiyan Henley and Denzel Perryman.

Mason is welcoming back Aaron Jones (hamstring) to the Vikings backfield for Thursday's game at the Chargers.

Jones hasn't played since Week 2 due to a hamstring injury, but Minnesota designated him for return from injured reserve Tuesday and then activated him Thursday following two limited walkthroughs. It's unclear how many snaps and touches Mason may yield to Jones in his first game back, but Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com suggests that Jones at least will be utilized in a pass-catching capacity. Mason averaged 16.5 touches for 75.3 yards from scrimmage per game while scoring four rushing TDs during Jones' four-game absence.

Molden (thumb) is active for Thursday's game against the Vikings.

Molden drew the questionable tag for Week 8 following three consecutive limited practices, and the fifth-year safety has been cleared to play after going through pregame warmups. He's slated to start at safety alongside Derwin James for Thursday night's home game.

Dissly (coach's decision) is inactive for Thursday's game against the Vikings.

Dissly played just three offensive snaps during the Chargers' Week 7 loss to the Vikings. His role in the offense has waned with the emergence of rookie fifth-rounder Oronde Gadsden, and Dissly will observe Thursday's game in street clothes. With Dissly inactive, the Chargers will roll with three tight ends on the active roster in Gadsden, Tucker Fisk and Tyler Conklin for Week 8.

Scott (wrist) is listed as active Thursday at the Chargers.

Scott emerged from this past Sunday's loss to the Eagles with a wrist injury and then logged a pair of limited walkthroughs before the Vikings tagged him as questionable for Week 8 action. While he'll be available to Minnesota's backfield, he'll be welcoming back Aaron Jones (hamstring) for the first time since Week 2 after the veteran was activated from IR and now is active for Thursday's game. Scott very well could be the third RB behind Jordan Mason and Jones moving forward.

Jones (hamstring) is active for Thursday's game at the Chargers.

It's been a quick turnaround for Jones, who was designated for return from injured reserve Tuesday, followed that up with back-to-back limited walkthroughs, was listed as questionable for Week 8 action and then activated from IR on Thursday. He now has been cleared for his first game action since he suffered a hamstring injury Week 2, but with Jordan Mason faring well in Jones' absence -- and considering how long the latter was sidelined -- Jones seems poised for complementary work as a pass catcher, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com. Jones has five seasons of 50-plus receptions in his nine-year career.

McCarthy (ankle) is listed as inactive Thursday at the Chargers but will be available as the emergency third quarterback, Ben Goessling of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

McCarthy thus won't be active for a fifth consecutive game due to his ongoing recovery from a high right-ankle sprain, but his standing as the emergency third QB for a second straight contest gives him a chance to play if both starter Carson Wentz and backup Max Brosmer leave Thursday's matchup due to injuries. McCarthy himself has put together back-to-back weeks of limited on-field work, and coach Kevin O'Connell even told Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com that the second-year quarterback's workout Tuesday was "just not there," but could have been if the Vikings had a Sunday game on the schedule. McCarthy's next chance for his first action since Week 2 is Sunday, Nov. 2 in Detroit.

Gaines (toe) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

A toe injury prevented Gaines from participating in Wednesday's walkthrough. He was back at practice Thursday in a limited capacity, and Friday's injury report will indicate his chances of playing Sunday against the Saints. Gaines' availability could be even more crucial, given that Vita Vea popped up on Thursday's injury report due to a foot injury.

Vea (foot) did not participate in Thursday's practice.

Vea was able to participate in Wednesday's walkthrough, so the foot injury he's working through may be a recent issue rather than one he picked up during Monday's loss to the Lions. Friday's practice report will provide more clarity on Vea's chances of playing Sunday against the Saints. If he's not cleared to play, then Elijah Simmons, C.J. Brewer and Greg Gaines (toe) would be in line to see more snaps on the defensive line in Week 8.

Schultz (back/shoulder) remained limited at practice Thursday.

Schultz was also limited at practice Wednesday, so he may need to practice fully Friday in order to avoid an injury designation for Sunday's game against the 49ers. With wideouts Nico Collins (concussion) and Christian Kirk (hamstring) having logged DNPs both Wednesday and Thursday, Schultz, assuming he's available, could be in store for a high-volume Week 8 if the Texans remain shorthanded at WR.